Turkey extends anti-piracy mission in Gulf of Aden

ANKARA

Turkey’s parliament has extended the deployment of the Turkish Naval Force in the Gulf of Aden, Somalian territorial waters and the Arabian Sea to halt piracy for another year.

Parliament’s approval of a government motion dated Feb. 9 went into force after being published in the Official Gazette on Feb. 16. Accordingly, the Naval Forces’ mission has been extended for one more year from Feb. 10, 2016. 

Showing the importance it attaches to international cooperation in the fight against piracy, Turkey has deployed a frigate in the area since 2009. Turkey has also contributed financially to a trust fund established by “the Contact Group on Piracy off the Coast of Somalia (CGPCS).” 

It has been a member of the group in 2013.

Performing reconnaissance and patrol duties; radioing ships suspected of piracy/armed robbery, boarding them if their flag country approves action and intervening in accordance with international law if the ship is not flying any flag; escorting and protecting merchant ships; helping merchant ships under attack from pirates/sea robbers; intervening, stopping, neutralizing and confiscating any vessels used by pirates/sea robbers; and using appropriate force if necessary are among the tasks defined under the anti-piracy mission.